Clydebank MSP marks 85th Blitz anniversary with debate

Clydebank's MSP has marked the 85th anniversary of the Clydebank Blitz with a speech in the Scottish Parliament.

Marie McNair has paid tribute to those who lost their lives and highlighting the town’s enduring resilience with a debate on February 24.

The anniversary, which falls on March 13 and 14, marks 85 years since Clydebank endured two nights of devastating air raids in 1941.

Over the course of those raids, 528 local people were killed and hundreds more were injured. Entire streets were destroyed, with Second Avenue suffering the greatest loss of life.

Around 12,000 homes were damaged and more than 4,000 were completely destroyed, leaving thousands of families homeless.

The debate, Marie McNair says, gave the opportunity to formally remember the victims and reflect on the lasting impact the Blitz has had on the town and its people.

A parliamentary motion lodged ahead of the debate acknowledges the pain and hardship endured by Clydebank families, while also celebrating the courage, solidarity and determination that helped the town rebuild in the years that followed.

The motion also called on the Parliament to ensure that the events of March 1941, and the experiences of those who lived through them, are never forgotten.

Ms McNair said the debate was an important chance to honour both the memory of those who died and the spirit of the survivors.

She said: “The Clydebank Blitz remains one of the darkest and most painful chapters in our town’s history. Over two nights in March 1941, our community experienced devastation on an unimaginable scale. Families lost loved ones, homes were destroyed, and our community was left devastated.

“Eighty-five years later, we remember the 528 men, women and children who lost their lives, and we recognise the lasting impact those nights had on generations of families in our town.

“But we also remember the strength of the people of Clydebank, the neighbours who helped one another, the bravery and courage shown in the face of destruction, and the determination and community spirit that rebuilt our town from the rubble.

“It is an honour to bring this debate to the Scottish Parliament to ensure that Clydebank’s story is heard, and that we never forget those who were lost.”